CEN/TC 102/WG 8 - Performance requirements and testing for washer-disinfectors

This document specifies procedures and test methods used to demonstrate the cleaning efficacy of washer-disinfectors (WD) and their accessories intended to be used for cleaning of reusable medical devices.
NOTE 1   The requirements can be used for washer-disinfectors intended for use with other articles used in the context of medical, dental, laboratory, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice.
NOTE 2   This document does not apply to the activities to be performed by the manufacturers of reusable medical devices.

This document specifies the particular requirements, including performance criteria for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of thermolabile endoscopes.
This document also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which can be required to achieve the necessary performance criteria.
The methods, instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operational and performance qualification on first installation), routine control and monitoring, and requalification of WD periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.
NOTE 1    In addition, Annex A gives guidance on an appropriate division of responsibility for the range of activities covered by this document.
NOTE 2    WD complying with this document can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile re-usable medical devices for which the device manufacturer has recommended and validated this method of disinfection.
WD complying with the requirements of this document are not intended for cleaning and disinfection of medical devices, including endoscopic accessories, which are heat stable and can be disinfected or sterilized by thermal methods (see ISO 15883-1:2006+Amd 1:2014, 4.1.5).
The specified performance requirements of this document do not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
NOTE 3    If it is considered that prion protein might be present, particular care is needed in the choice of cleaning agents and disinfectants to ensure that the chemicals used do not react with the prion protein and/or other protein in a manner that can inhibit its removal or inactivation from the load or washer-disinfector.
NOTE 4    This document can be used by prospective purchasers and manufacturers as the basis of agreement on the specification of the WD, manufacturers of endoscopes, cleaning products, and disinfecting products.

ISO 15883-7:2016 specifies the particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) intended to be used for the cleaning and chemical disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of reusable items such as the following:
a)    bedframes;
b)    bedside tables;
c)    transport carts;
d)    containers;
e)    surgical tables;
f)     sterilization containers;
g)    surgical clogs;
h)    wheelchairs, aids for the disabled.
ISO 15883-7:2016 also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which may be necessary in order to achieve the required performance.
Devices identified within the scopes of ISO 15883‑2, ISO 15883‑3, ISO I5883-4, and ISO 15883‑6 do not fall within the scope of this part of ISO 15883.
In addition, the methods are specified, as well as instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operation, and performance qualification on first installation), routine control, and monitoring, as well as requalifications required to be carried out periodically and after essential repairs.
NOTE          WDs corresponding to this part of ISO 15883 can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile and reusable devices as recommended by the device manufacturer.
The performance requirements specified in this part of ISO 15883 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion proteins) of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.

ISO 15883-6:2011 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WDs) intended for use when the level of assurance of disinfection that is necessary can be achieved by cleaning and thermal disinfection (A0 not less than 60) and does not require an independent automated record of critical processes to be kept. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 15883-1, which gives general requirements for WDs.
The range of products on which WDs of this particular type can be used is restricted to devices and equipment which are non-invasive and non-critical (i.e. not penetrating skin or contacting mucosal surfaces).

This European Standard specifies the performance requirements applying to cabinets designed to store, or store and dry, thermolabile endoscopes following automated or manual processing.
The storage cabinets are designed to provide a controlled environment for storage of endoscope(s), with or without channels, and when necessary drying of the endoscope(s), including the endoscope(s) channels.
The controlled environment provided by the storage cabinet ensures that during storage there is no deterioration of the microbiological quality of the endoscope. The drying function is intended to supplement, if necessary, any drying provided as part of the automated or manual processing cycle.
This European Standard specifies storage cabinets which flush the channels and the external surfaces of endoscopes with air.
NOTE 1   The storage cabinet is one of the means that can allow the safe use of the endoscope for an extended period from the time of processing and improve availability for emergency use.
NOTE 2   Thorough drying of an endoscope in a washer-disinfector can require a prolonged cycle time; the use of a storage cabinet including a drying function can enhance throughput of the endoscopes.
The cabinet is not intended to provide any cleaning or disinfection function.
This European Standard does not include the use of other chemicals for drying and maintaining the quality of endoscopes during storage

2013-08-02 EMA: Draft for // vote received in ISO/CS (see notification of 2013-08-02 in dataservice).
2012-02-14 EMA: WI allocated to WG 8 as per TC secretary request.
2012-01-06 EMA: Draft for // ENQ received in ISO/CS (see notification of 2011-12-06 in dataservice).

ISO 15883-2:2006 specifies particular requirements for washer disinfectors (WD) that are intended for use for the cleaning and thermal disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of re-usable medical devices such as surgical instruments, anaesthetic equipment, bowls, dishes and receivers, utensils and glassware.
The requirements in ISO 15883-2:2006 apply in addition to the general requirements specified in ISO 15883-1.
The specified performance requirements of ISO 15883-2:2006 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

ISO 15883-3:2006 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for emptying, flushing, cleaning and thermal disinfection of containers used to hold human waste for disposal by one operating cycle.
ISO 15883-3:2006 is to be applied in conjunction with ISO 15883-1.

ISO 15883-1:2006 specifies general performance requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) and their accessories that are intended to be used for cleaning and disinfection of re-usable medical devices and other articles used in the context of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice. It specifies performance requirements for cleaning and disinfection as well as for the accessories which can be required to achieve the necessary performance. The methods and instrumentation required for validation, routine control and monitoring and re-validation, periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.
The requirements for washer-disinfectors intended to process specific loads are specified in subsequent parts of ISO 15883. For washer-disinfectors intended to process loads of two or more different types the requirements of all relevant parts of this standard apply.
ISO 15883-1:2006 does not specify requirements intended for machines for use for laundry or general catering purposes.
ISO 15883-1:2006 does not include requirements for machines which are intended to sterilize the load, or which are designated as "sterilizers", these are specified in other standards e.g. EN 285.
The specified performance requirements of this standard may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
ISO 15883-1:2006 may be used by prospective purchasers and manufacturers as the basis of agreement on the specification of a WD. The test methods for demonstration of compliance with the requirements of ISO 15883-1:2006 may also be employed by users to demonstrate continued compliance of the installed WD throughout its working life. Guidance on a routine test programme also is given.

ISO 15883-7:2016 specifies the particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) intended to be used for the cleaning and chemical disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of reusable items such as the following:
a) bedframes;
b) bedside tables;
c) transport carts;
d) containers;
e) surgical tables;
f) sterilization containers;
g) surgical clogs;
h) wheelchairs, aids for the disabled.
ISO 15883-7:2016 also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which may be necessary in order to achieve the required performance.
Devices identified within the scopes of ISO 15883‑2, ISO 15883‑3, ISO I5883-4, and ISO 15883‑6 do not fall within the scope of this part of ISO 15883.
In addition, the methods are specified, as well as instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operation, and performance qualification on first installation), routine control, and monitoring, as well as requalifications required to be carried out periodically and after essential repairs.
NOTE WDs corresponding to this part of ISO 15883 can also be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of other thermolabile and reusable devices as recommended by the device manufacturer.
The performance requirements specified in this part of ISO 15883 may not ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion proteins) of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.

This document specifies requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended for use for the cleaning and thermal disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of reusable critical and semi-critical medical devices, such as surgical instruments, anaesthetic equipment, and any non-critical devices used in conjunction with critical and semi-critical medical devices, such as bowls, dishes and receivers, utensils and glassware.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the general requirements specified in ISO 15883-1:2024, except those specified in 4.1.1.
NOTE            The specified performance requirements of this document cannot ensure the inactivation or removal of the causative agent(s) (prion protein) of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

This document specifies requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for emptying, flushing, washing and thermal disinfection of non-critical devices in the form of human waste containers by one operating cycle.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the general requirements specified in ISO 15883-1:2024, except for those specified in 4.1.1, and with the requirements of ISO 15883-5:2021, except for those specified in 4.1.2.

This European Standard specifies general performance requirements for washer- disinfectors and their accessories that are intended to be used for cleaning and disinfection of re-usable medical devices and other articles used in the context of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice. It specifies performance requirements for cleaning and disinfection as well as the accessories which may be required to achieve the necessary performance.

ISO/TS 15883-5:2005 includes the test soils and methods that can be used to demonstrate the cleaning efficacy of washer-disinfectors (WD) according to the ISO 15883 series of standards.
The inclusion of the test soils and methods in ISO/TS 15883-5:2005 does not indicate that they are of equivalent sensitivity in their determination of cleaning efficacy.
Acceptance criteria are included, based on visual inspection and/or a microbiological end-point as stated for each method. Where chemical detection of residual soiling is required/sought, methods can be complemented by the specific determination of a residual component of the applied test soil.
NOTE 1 The test soils and methods included in ISO/TS 15883-5:2005 are sourced from national standards and published documents submitted by member bodies of the Technical Committee preparing ISO/TS 15883-5:2005. They have been edited only to provide a uniform format within ISO/TS 15883-5:2005.
NOTE 2 An example of this is the use of the peroxidase test to detect residual blood (haemoglobin) from the test soil applied to surgical instruments or flexible endoscopes (e.g. using the method described in ISO/TS 15883-5:2005). See also ISO 15883-1:2005, Annex D.

ISO 15883-4:2008 specifies the particular requirements, including performance, for washer-disinfectors (WDs) that are intended to be used for cleaning and chemical disinfection of thermolabile endoscopes.
ISO 15883-4:2008 also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the washer-disinfector and its components and accessories which may be required to achieve the necessary performance.
The methods, instrumentation and instructions required for type testing, works testing, validation (installation, operational and performance qualification on first installation), routine control and monitoring and re-validation, periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.
ISO 15883-4:2008 can be used by prospective purchasers and manufacturers as the basis of agreement on the specification of WD manufacturers of endoscopes, cleaning products, disinfecting products, and also by users.

ISO 15883-6:2011 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WDs) intended for use when the level of assurance of disinfection that is necessary can be achieved by cleaning and thermal disinfection (A0 not less than 60) and does not require an independent automated record of critical processes to be kept. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 15883-1, which gives general requirements for WDs.
The range of products on which WDs of this particular type can be used is restricted to devices and equipment which are non-invasive and non-critical (i.e. not penetrating skin or contacting mucosal surfaces).

This European standard specifies the particular requirements for washer-disinfectors intended to be used for cleaning and disinfection of thermolabile re-usable medical devices including flexible endoscopes used in the context of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice. This standard also specifies the performance requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the accessories which may be required for type testing, works testing, validation, routine control and monitoring and re-validation, periodically and after essential repairs are also specified.

This part of EN ISO 15883 specifies general performance requirements for washer-disinfectors and their accessories that are intended to be used for cleaning and disinfection of re-usable medical devices and other articles used in the context of medical, dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary practice. It specifies performance requirements for cleaning and disinfection as well as for the accessories which may be required to achieve the necessary performance. The methods and instrumentation required for validation, routine control and monitoring and re-validation, periodically and after essential repairs, are also specified.

This part of prEN ISO 15883 specifies particular requirements for washer-disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for emptying, flushing, cleaning and thermal disinfection of containers used to hold human waste for disposal by  one operating cycle.
The requirements of this part apply in addition to the general requirements specified in prEN ISO 15883-1.

This part of prEN ISO 15883 specifies particular requirements for washer disinfectors (WD) that are intended to be used for the cleaning and thermal disinfection, in a single operating cycle, of re-usable medical devices such as surgical instruments, anaesthetic equipment, hollowware, utensils and glassware.
NOTE   Thermal disinfection may be achieved by rinsing the load with hot water, exposure to steam or combination of the two.
The requirements in this part apply in addition to the general requirements specified in prEN ISO 15883-1:2002.